Every year as the temperature drops, I start getting excited about books. All over again, that is. The air will chill while the leaves change color and almost immediately, I’m in need of a book. (Which means three weeks ago.) There’s just something about the fall smell that makes me want to read. Probably weather that isn’t sweaty … along with sunset times that encourage lamps. All of those things, among other reasons, make me want to read. Which I then do, happily. Not just any book, though. It has to be a good one. As a smart librarian once told me, there’s no point in reading a terrible book. If it sucks, stop reading. And trust me, I’ve stopped reading plenty sucky/boring books. But this is a list of ones that don’t suck: The Night Circus It’s quirky. It’s intriguing. And it’s some great writing. Three ingredients for a […]

I know what you’re thinking … it’s a bit early to be talking about Halloween. But seeing as how department stores have been flashing its décor for weeks now, it’s actually fair game. Or so the clerks tell me. As is Christmas in September, apparently. That doesn’t mean I’m pinning my costume or pre-purchasing my candy (which would obviously get eaten). But it does mean I’m ready to start getting pumped about this glorious holiday. For all of the best, and therefore right, reasons like: 6. The Costumes Some are pretty stupid, but some are pretty great. Meaning Halloween costumes are like anything in life, really. But for the great sport who’s willing to wear a full wig at work, or dress up with their kids’ costumes and match in order to take them around the neighborhood, I’ve got my eye on you. And I think you’re embracing the holiday […]

Let’s get the embarrassing stuff out of the way: I’m 28 and I’ve never owned my own coffee pot. Never. My parents – to this day – won’t touch the stuff. They make coffee, maybe four times per year, with the same appliance they received as a wedding gift. Thirty years ago. It still works great, BTW. Sometimes I drink from it, but only on holidays or if a grandparent is present. Otherwise it’s stocked up in a cabinet, nurturing mold that hasn’t been seen since the 80s. Maybe it was growing up under their roof that led me to live a coffee pot-less life. Obviously, I’d inherit theirs one day and continue the tradition of caffeine made with refrigerator grounds and a large, boxy machine – assuming it was Christmas or Easter. This is my parents’ real-life coffee pot. I texted my Mom for this picture, and she dug […]

In just two short days, I will be turning a certain number of years old. And I’m pretty pumped about it. Because who doesn’t love birthdays, really? Sure it’s not fun to turn old(er), but as a wise lady named Dear Prudie once said, “You only feel old because it’s the oldest you’ve ever been.” But it IS fun to celebrate. Not because I think I’m a huge deal, but because I’m always looking for a good excuse. Especially when it’s to have fun. So what am I doing this year to celebrate? First off, thanks for asking. Second of all, all kinds of things. On the actual day, I’m wearing a fancy dress and being taken out by Bo. For his work event that just so happens to fall on my day of birth. Where I’ll get to be confused by how much silverware there is to use. Fill […]

Some days email is the worst thing to happen to me. Like on this very day that I’m writing this post – where people just cannot get enough of me. And are looking for every excuse in the world to get one of my not-so-incredible responses – even if it’s just business necessary; actually, almost all of them are. Other days, electronic correspondence is the best thing – or rather second-best thing – that’s happened in weeks. Like when JoAnn sent me a coupon code for a free customizable calendar. Yep, a free online-made calendar from a craft-supply store. No idea why, but sometimes it’s best not to ask questions when great things come along, I’ve decided. (BTW, JoAnn, thanks for the coupon – I’ll be sure to buy an extra skein of yarn (or 12) the next time I walk in. Which will probably be about 10 minutes after […]

In the late 90s, the Spice Girls were pretty much my life. That, wearing as much Tommy Hilfiger as possible, and nearly dying of mortification the day we got our samples of feminine hygiene products. (Yes, that’s what I remember most from the 5th grade.) For as refined as one’s music taste can be at that age, I thought I had it figured out. Having graduated from my over-played cassette tape of Mariah Carey, I was excited to jump into the world that was CDs. And who better to do it with than the time’s best pop stars? I was all about Hanson, even more about the Backstreet Boys (whom I will soon see in the flesh), and iffy about *NSYNC – which was basically a non-perfected version Justin Timberlake and crew. (Also, that whole “the last letter of our first names spells *NSYNC” thing made them seem SO desperate. […]

Warning: there will be spoilers – many of which are exaggerated to make a point. If you’ve never seen it, it’s ultra sad. By the end, every character is dead or miserable, which is more like a kick-everyone-in-the-eyes rendition than a “story”. Oh hey Riff, maybe you should have left that knife at home LIKE YOU SAID YOU WOULD. That goes double for your, Ber-nard-o. A few weeks ago, West Side Story came through Kansas. A big show on a big bus in the Little Apple. In its traveling form, I got to see the musical (for the first time) straight from one Manhattan to another. And it was amazing. Broadway actors never cease to drop my jaw with their ability to sing, act, and dance – all why donning what I can only assume are super fake accents. Meanwhile I’m just staring away, wondering how in the heck such […]